Description

Closes: December 15, 2024Starting Range: $81,672 to $138,852Full Range: $81,672 to $155,483

Job Description

Avista Utilities is seeking multiple talented Network Engineers in two dynamic disciplines: RF Engineering and Transport Engineering. Join our innovative team and help us shape the future of energy delivery and connectivity. Whether you’re optimizing radio frequencies for smart grid applications, designing robust transport networks for reliable energy distribution, or ensuring seamless IP integration for advanced metering infrastructure, your expertise will drive our mission to deliver safe and reliable energy. If you’re ready to take your career to the next level and be part of a forward-thinking company in the energy sector, we want to hear from you!

This position requires participation in an on-call rotation for off business hour support.

RF Engineer:

This position will be responsible for supporting the design and development of RF devices integrated into the Avista network. This position will work with a variety of hardware solutions but will focus on configuring and delivering the following technologies: cellular service devices, license exempt meshing radio systems, high-capacity microwave point-to-point (PtP) radios, and wireless Field Area Network (FAN) devices. The work will require configuration and testing of equipment to evaluate device parameters in support of the senior architecture team design activities. It is imperative for this position to build and maintain productive internal working relationships with all other supported business units within Avista.

Additional specific responsibilities include:

• Support RF systems/devices related to, but not limited to, Distribution Automation (DA), Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA), Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), corporate network traffic, and any future business cases.

• Follow the IT standard procedures (ITSPs) and when necessary, suggest changes and/or develop new standards for new equipment.

• Build strong relationships with personnel inside the ET department and with the various business units throughout Avista.

• Complete all documentation, Method of Procedures (MOP), engineering drawings, and network diagrams of the systems being deployed for submission to the archives (AutoCAD, Visio, etc.).

• Design and coordinate high capacity PtP microwave systems to meet availability and reliability requirements.

• Gather a Bill Of Materials (BOM) and solicit equipment quotes from approved vendors.

• In addition to knowledge of RF systems, some level of networking knowledge will be necessary to interface with the rest of the Network team.

Transport Engineer:

This position is responsible for supporting the design and development of Avista’s private MPLS backbone and WAN infrastructure. The successful candidate may also be responsible for supporting legacy SONET networks. Previous experience working within a utility is beneficial.

• Plan, develop and own engineering standards & models to support data services over the collective network transport system, to include:

• MPLS transport (backbone)

• Tributary transport (endpoint)

• SONET knowledge/expertise a plus

• Planning & engineering assignments require extensive knowledge and application of concepts, principles and practices in IP transport networks enabling identification of multiple critical infrastructure use cases in our energy services organization.

• A growth mindset.

• A humble team member who understands the importance of a reliable network in the delivery of essential services to our customers.

• A servant leader who is eager to be part of an awesome team.

• Primarily a project-based role, working on multiple projects with different PM's and stakeholders.

• Support technology delivery within defined capital/delivery projects under the direction of client’s Network Engineers and Project Managers.

• Execute engineering tasks according to plan and meet engineering goals and objectives.

• Plan and execute network moves, and changes including hardware installation/, change management, and customer activation.

• Acquire and maintain current knowledge of relevant product and offerings.

• Assist in special projects with the ability to function in a highly dynamic environment.

• IP routing and virtualization in a Wide Area Network – MPLS, VRF, IPSEC

• BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, Ethernet, and TDM and operation

• Nokia Enterprise and Industrial routing and switching platforms, modules, and configurations

• Preferred certifications: Nokia Network Routing Specialist I (NRS I), Nokia Network Routing Specialist II (NRS II), Nokia Routing Architect (SRA)

• Experience with Nokia 7750, 7705 routers

• Native MPLS transport design, and implementation work leveraging Nokia equipment

• WAN performance, optimization, and assurance techniques

• Back-office network management and authentication systems

• Wireless LAN , operation, and maintenance

• IP subnetting

• IP protocols

• Operation of LAN switching technology – VLANs, Trunking, FHRP’s

• Proficient knowledge of network security best practices with hands on experience configuring Access Control Lists, TACACS+, SNMP, AAA, SSH

• Key experience could include:

Requirements

Network Engineer I:

Minimum of 2 years of experience and an BA/BS degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, or MIS. Additional 2 years of relevant experience in an enterprise-size (500 or more employees) preferred. Depending on area of discipline, technology certifications in a relevant area (such as Cisco CCNA) may be required and is preferred. Seeking strong technology management skills, proven analytical problem-solving skills, and a person that values a team-oriented enterprise environment. Experience with Cisco, F5, Citrix Netscaler, and the Nokia SAR platform are strongly desired. Experience in Infrastructure-as-Code programming languages, such as Python, Powershell, Splunk, and Ansible are strongly desired.

Network Engineer II:

Minimum 6 years of relevant experience in an enterprise-size company (500 or more employees). In addition to the qualifications for Network Engineer I, this level requires knowledge of operations and delivery concepts, principles, standards, tools, techniques, and methodologies. Understanding of system testing best practices and methodologies. Enthusiasm about providing guidance and passing on knowledge, experience, and lessons learned to team members.

Network Engineer, Senior:

In addition to the qualifications for Network Engineer I & II, the Expert level requires 8 years of relevant experience in an enterprise-size company (500 or more employees).

To Apply We encourage you to apply as many of our positions have step progressions to account for an incoming employee’s various levels of knowledge, skills, and experience.

Complete an online application and attach your resume and cover letter to your profile. All documents must be attached to your application at the time of submitting your application for review. No documents can be attached after you click "Submit".

BenefitsAt Avista, we believe our employees are essential. Through them we deliver value to our customers and the communities we serve. The physical, mental, and financial health and well-being of our employees and their families are important to us. We are committed to offering a comprehensive total rewards program comprised of an externally competitive, internally equitable compensation structure and a benefits package that allows us to retain and attract a diverse, engaged, and skilled workforce. Our benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage, retirement benefits, incentive plans, wellness resources, time-off programs and much more. In addition to our total rewards program, the Pacific Northwest offers abundant outdoor recreation, four distinct seasons, and all the amenities and activities an individual or family might be interested in. To learn more, please visit our benefits website at https://avistabenefits.com/.

Pre-employment screening requirementsEmployment is contingent upon the successful completion of a drug test, background check and motor vehicle records review.

Avista’s Commitment to Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Avista is a safe, inclusive workplace for people of all backgrounds, and we are committed to Equal Opportunity Employment, Affirmative Action efforts, and Equity, Inclusion and Diversity. We strongly encourage applications from women, people of color, people with disabilities, protected veterans, and all others. All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, age, sensory, mental or physical disability (unless based upon a bona fide occupational qualification), Veteran status or any other classification protected by nondiscrimination laws.

Equity and diversity in our workplace is important to us. Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here (https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ofccp/posters) . Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you require any special accommodations to participate fully in our recruitment process. Avista will make reasonable accommodation to assist a qualified person with a disability in the job application, interview process, and to perform the essential functions of the job whenever possible, where undue hardship would not be created for Avista. Please contact us at humanresources@avistacorp.com if you would like assistance.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)